Coventry University Accommodation to Be Demolished

Two Coventry city centre student accommodation blocks are to be demolished after inspections uncovered corroding metal reinforcements.

Coventry City Council have approved plans to urgently tear down Block G and the tower belonging to Block H of Coventry University's Prior Hall near Fairfax Street.

Whilst a long-term replacement is formulated, plans have been put forward to temporarily landscape the area.

According to planning documents, the vacant blocks need to be urgently demolished due to "significant structural defects".

A structural report found a one metre wide section of spalled concrete had fallen from the ceiling, which revealed reinforcement corrosion. Additional loose concrete was found in the bathroom ceilings on other floors.

Particularly concerning was the report found that "in some areas the corrosion was so severe that steel reinforcing bars had completely disintegrated and could be crumbled by hand."

Inspectors subsequently determined the site had no viable future as any short-term repairs would be costly and the building would continue to deteriorate.

The poor condition of the building was attributed to its original construction methods, with the two buildings being erected in the 1960s and 1970s.

Despite the buildings being close to several areas of historical significance, the Heritage Impact Assessment of the site stated that the costs associated with stabilising the blocks would be disproportionate to their limited heritage significance.